The cellular microenvironment and cytoskeletal actin dynamics in liver fibrogenesis

Biocell

article

NOUR HIJAZI¹  DON C. ROCKEY¹  ZENGDUN SHI¹ 

[1] Medical University of South Carolina

关键词: Extracellular matrix;    Actin dynamics;    Transcriptional regulation;    Signaling;   

DOI  :  10.32604/biocell.2022.020171

学科分类：仪器

来源: Biocell

【 摘 要 】

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary effector cells in liver fibrosis. In the normal liver, HSCs serve as theprimary vitamin A storage cells in the body and retain a “quiescent” phenotype. However, after liver injury, theytransdifferentiate to an “activated” myofibroblast-like phenotype, which is associated with dramatic upregulation ofsmooth muscle specific actin and extracellular matrix proteins. The result is a fibrotic, stiff, and dysfunctional liver.Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms that govern HSC function is essential for the development ofanti-fibrotic medications. The actin cytoskeleton has emerged as a key component of the fibrogenic response inwound healing. Recent data indicate that the cytoskeleton receives signals from the cellular microenvironment andtranslates them to cellular function—in particular, increased type I collagen expression. Dynamic in nature, the actincytoskeleton continuously polymerizes and depolymerizes in response to changes in the cellular microenvironment. Inthis viewpoint, we discuss the recent developments underlying cytoskeletal actin dynamics in liver fibrosis, includinghow the cellular microenvironment affects HSC function and the molecular mechanisms that regulate the actininduced increase in collagen expression typical of activated HSCs.

【 授权许可】

CC BY